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Rural Substance Misuse Trends in America
(Texas A&M University, 2023) Montemayor, Benjamin N.; Woodland, Gracie; Barry, Adam E.
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among American school-aged youth. It is often the initial substance adolescents try, and its use is linked to subsequent illicit substance use later in life. Alcohol use is associated with poorer academic performance and engagement in risky behaviors, potentially affecting future work and educational opportunities. Rather than substance-specific interventions, policies and strategies should focus on enhancing prevention and treatment infrastructure. Rural areas consistently show higher rates of hazardous alcohol use or alcohol-related harm. Public health strategies tailored to rural communities’ unique needs are essential. In-depth assessments of individual, community, and familial factors (e.g., religiosity, social norms, family relationships) should be conducted to inform targeted intervention and prevention efforts. Addressing alcohol-related challenges in rural communities requires tailored approaches that consider local context and individual factor